4 years ago
New Delhi:
The Supreme Court today said that it will hear all the petitions challenging the constitutionality of the three farm acts on January 8 (Monday). The centre has told the court that the talks with farmers have been positive and that there are "chances of some sort of understanding between the two parties". The deadlock over the repeal of the contentious farm laws continued, with the Centre and the farmers unable to get on the same page in the seventh round of discussions.
The protesting farmers have announced that they will intensify their agitation against the three contentious agriculture laws for the next two weeks. Swaraj India's Yogendra Yadav, who has been backing the protesters, said on Tuesday that a tractor march will be organised at four Delhi borders on January 7 to press for their demands -- repealing the laws and giving legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system. The leader called the march a "trailer" before the massive Republic Day agitation.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders from Punjab, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Tuesday, said that the issue will be solved very soon. "PM Modi knows a lot... all will be resolved and something good will happen. I cannot disclose what transpired in the meeting but something good will happen... when something is being conceived there are fears that it might get miscarriage," they said after the meeting.
Here are the live updates on farmers' protests:
Boris Johnson Cancelling India Visit "Political Win" For Farmers, "Diplomatic Defeat" For Government, Say Farmers' Union
Farmer unions protesting against the three new farm laws Wednesday claimed the cancellation of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's visit to India later this month is a "political win" for them and a "diplomatic defeat" for the government, and asserted their agitation has been receiving global support, reported news agency PTI. Boris Johnson was scheduled to attend the Republic Day celebrations in India as Chief Guest, but the visit was cancelled due to the growing health crisis in the UK after a new variant of coronavirus emerged there. "The cancellation of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's India visit is a political win for farmers and a diplomatic defeat for the Modi government... political and social organisations across the world have been supporting the agitation," Sankyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of the protesting farmer unions, said in a statement in Hindi.
Farmer unions protesting against the three new farm laws Wednesday claimed the cancellation of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's visit to India later this month is a "political win" for them and a "diplomatic defeat" for the government, and asserted their agitation has been receiving global support, reported news agency PTI. Boris Johnson was scheduled to attend the Republic Day celebrations in India as Chief Guest, but the visit was cancelled due to the growing health crisis in the UK after a new variant of coronavirus emerged there. "The cancellation of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's India visit is a political win for farmers and a diplomatic defeat for the Modi government... political and social organisations across the world have been supporting the agitation," Sankyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of the protesting farmer unions, said in a statement in Hindi.
Farmers Protest: Young Indians, Settled Abroad, Join Farmers' Stir At Singhu Border
Several young non-resident Indians (NRI) have joined the farmers at the Singhu border to extend support to the ongoing demonstration against agricultural laws, news agency ANI reported. Manpreet Singh, an Austria-based automobile businessman, came directly from Delhi airport to the protest site at Singhu border with his luggage to participate in the farmers' agitation. "I came directly from Austria to India, when I was in Europe then I used to watch the news about the farmers' protest and then I decided to reach Delhi and head towards Dharna site," Mr Singh told news agency ANI. Another NRI Jitender Pal Singh from Mohali, who is an IT professional living in New Zealand for the past 8 years, said that he has been supporting farmers from the first day of their movement.
Several young non-resident Indians (NRI) have joined the farmers at the Singhu border to extend support to the ongoing demonstration against agricultural laws, news agency ANI reported. Manpreet Singh, an Austria-based automobile businessman, came directly from Delhi airport to the protest site at Singhu border with his luggage to participate in the farmers' agitation. "I came directly from Austria to India, when I was in Europe then I used to watch the news about the farmers' protest and then I decided to reach Delhi and head towards Dharna site," Mr Singh told news agency ANI. Another NRI Jitender Pal Singh from Mohali, who is an IT professional living in New Zealand for the past 8 years, said that he has been supporting farmers from the first day of their movement.
Farmers Protest: AAP Accuses Amarinder Singh Of Implementing "Black Farm Laws" In Punjab
Alleging that the Congress government in Punjab has implemented the contentious farm laws in the state, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for "overt and open betrayal of the farmers", reported news agency PTI. Citing news reports about Punjab's Minister of Food and Civil Supplies Bharat Bhushan Ashu's comment that the Congress government has allowed farmers from elsewhere to sell their produce in the state, AAP's Punjab co-incharge Raghav Chadha accused Amarinder Singh of "lying to everyone". "It is indeed sad to note that this year has begun on such a grim note with the biggest fraud and betrayal committed by the Congress and Amarinder Singh who have implemented the black farm laws in Punjab. The Aam Aadmi Party demands his resignation," Mr Chadha said. "With the backdoor implementation of the three black farm laws, Amarinder Singh has lied to everyone, he has betrayed not only the farmers of Punjab, but the fields of Punjab, the land of Punjab and the "annadaatas" (food providers) of Punjab," he said.
Alleging that the Congress government in Punjab has implemented the contentious farm laws in the state, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for "overt and open betrayal of the farmers", reported news agency PTI. Citing news reports about Punjab's Minister of Food and Civil Supplies Bharat Bhushan Ashu's comment that the Congress government has allowed farmers from elsewhere to sell their produce in the state, AAP's Punjab co-incharge Raghav Chadha accused Amarinder Singh of "lying to everyone". "It is indeed sad to note that this year has begun on such a grim note with the biggest fraud and betrayal committed by the Congress and Amarinder Singh who have implemented the black farm laws in Punjab. The Aam Aadmi Party demands his resignation," Mr Chadha said. "With the backdoor implementation of the three black farm laws, Amarinder Singh has lied to everyone, he has betrayed not only the farmers of Punjab, but the fields of Punjab, the land of Punjab and the "annadaatas" (food providers) of Punjab," he said.
Talks With Farmers Opportunity To Explain Benefits Of Farm Laws: Piyush GoyalUnion Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said he looks positively at the ongoing discussions with farmer unions as an opportunity to explain to them the benefits from the new laws against which they are protesting.
Farmers Protest: Gautum Buddh Nagar Police Issue Traffic Advisory For Tractor March Tomorrow
Farmers will begin a tractor march from the Ghazipur border to Palwal. The rally will be taken out under the leadership of National Spokesperson of Indian Farmers Union Politics, Rakesh Tikait. This tractor rally will go via Palwal on Eastern Peripheral Road, Duhai, Dasna, Beel Akbarpur, Sirsa and return on the same route. From 12 noon to 3 pm vehicles going to Palwal from Beel Akbarpur and Sirsa Cut will not be allowed to use the Eastern Pheripheral Expressway and will be diverted. Vehicles from Sirsa Cut and Beel Akbarpur travelling towards Sonipat will not be allowed to use the Eastern Pheripheral Expressway between 2 pm and 5 pm and will be diverted, Gautum Buddh Nagar Police's media cell said in an advisory.
Farmers will begin a tractor march from the Ghazipur border to Palwal. The rally will be taken out under the leadership of National Spokesperson of Indian Farmers Union Politics, Rakesh Tikait. This tractor rally will go via Palwal on Eastern Peripheral Road, Duhai, Dasna, Beel Akbarpur, Sirsa and return on the same route. From 12 noon to 3 pm vehicles going to Palwal from Beel Akbarpur and Sirsa Cut will not be allowed to use the Eastern Pheripheral Expressway and will be diverted. Vehicles from Sirsa Cut and Beel Akbarpur travelling towards Sonipat will not be allowed to use the Eastern Pheripheral Expressway between 2 pm and 5 pm and will be diverted, Gautum Buddh Nagar Police's media cell said in an advisory.
Farmers Protest: Farmers To March From Palwal, Ghazipur Tomorrow
Protesting farmers from Ghazipur will march to Palwal via the National Highway 24, Dasna and Peripheral Expressway. Farmers from Palwal will leave for Ghazipur at 11 am. A meeting will be held on the road where the two groups will converge.
Protesting farmers from Ghazipur will march to Palwal via the National Highway 24, Dasna and Peripheral Expressway. Farmers from Palwal will leave for Ghazipur at 11 am. A meeting will be held on the road where the two groups will converge.
Farmers Protest: Madhya Pradesh Congress Leaders Take Out Tractor Rally In Shivraj Chouhan's Home District
Senior Congress leaders today took out a tractor rally in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore, which is Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's home district, to protest against the Centre's new farm laws, reported news agency PTI. Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, former Union Minister Arun Yadav, former minister Sajjan Singh Verma and several party MLAs were part of the tractor rally organised at Nasrullaganj, which is part of Shivraj Chouhan's Assembly seat Budhni in Sehore district.
Senior Congress leaders today took out a tractor rally in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore, which is Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's home district, to protest against the Centre's new farm laws, reported news agency PTI. Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, former Union Minister Arun Yadav, former minister Sajjan Singh Verma and several party MLAs were part of the tractor rally organised at Nasrullaganj, which is part of Shivraj Chouhan's Assembly seat Budhni in Sehore district.
Farmers Protest: Protesting Farmers Waterproof Tents Amid Heavy Rainfall
Rain in the national capital have failed to dampen the spirit of the protesting farmers at the borders. To protect themselves from rains they have made tents waterproof at Singhu border, reported news agency ANI. Farmers were troubled by the constant rain as their tents collapsed while some started leaking. They waterproofed their tents by covering them with plastics to avoid any kind of inconvenience.
Rain in the national capital have failed to dampen the spirit of the protesting farmers at the borders. To protect themselves from rains they have made tents waterproof at Singhu border, reported news agency ANI. Farmers were troubled by the constant rain as their tents collapsed while some started leaking. They waterproofed their tents by covering them with plastics to avoid any kind of inconvenience.
Farmers Protest: Protesting Farmers Will Understand Idea Behind Farm Laws, Actively Arrive At Solution, Says Narendra Tomar
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar today said those farmer unions, which are protesting against the farm laws, will understand the idea behind bringing the laws for reforms in the agricultural sector and actively arrive at a solution after discussion, reported news agency ANI. "The government of India is committed to the welfare of farmers. We meet those who are supporting the laws and those opposing it. I am sure that farmer unions who are agitating will understand the idea behind agriculture laws and they will think about the welfare of farmers and actively arrive at a solution by a positive discussion," Narendra Tomar told reporters.
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar today said those farmer unions, which are protesting against the farm laws, will understand the idea behind bringing the laws for reforms in the agricultural sector and actively arrive at a solution after discussion, reported news agency ANI. "The government of India is committed to the welfare of farmers. We meet those who are supporting the laws and those opposing it. I am sure that farmer unions who are agitating will understand the idea behind agriculture laws and they will think about the welfare of farmers and actively arrive at a solution by a positive discussion," Narendra Tomar told reporters.
Farmers Protest: Captain Amarinder Singh Urges Centre To Repeal Farm Laws To Resolve Crisis
Stressing that there was nothing wrong with the demands of the farmers, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately repeal the Farm Laws in order to resolve the crisis. Categorically rejecting as "highly irresponsible" reports in a section of the media that Punjab had already implemented the new farm laws, the chief minister said Food Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu's statement had been mischievously twisted by one newspaper, with others picking it up.
Stressing that there was nothing wrong with the demands of the farmers, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately repeal the Farm Laws in order to resolve the crisis. Categorically rejecting as "highly irresponsible" reports in a section of the media that Punjab had already implemented the new farm laws, the chief minister said Food Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu's statement had been mischievously twisted by one newspaper, with others picking it up.
Farmers Protest: Those Leading Stir Today Recommended Farm Laws In Congress' 2019 Poll Manifesto, Says Lal Bahadur Shastri's Grandson
Sanjay Nath Singh, the eldest grandson of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri who gave the popular slogan ''Jai Jawan Jai Kisan'', met the Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to extend support to farm laws, reported news agency ANI. Mr Singh, who is the working president and secretary-general of All India Farmers Association, has levelled serious allegations on farmer union leaders leading the agitation against agricultural laws on Delhi's borders. He revealed that among the leaders sitting on the protest today, there are quite a few who went with him to meetings of prominent political parties to address farmers' concerns and vision for their welfare for their election manifesto.
Sanjay Nath Singh, the eldest grandson of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri who gave the popular slogan ''Jai Jawan Jai Kisan'', met the Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to extend support to farm laws, reported news agency ANI. Mr Singh, who is the working president and secretary-general of All India Farmers Association, has levelled serious allegations on farmer union leaders leading the agitation against agricultural laws on Delhi's borders. He revealed that among the leaders sitting on the protest today, there are quite a few who went with him to meetings of prominent political parties to address farmers' concerns and vision for their welfare for their election manifesto.
Central Government Doing Politics Over Farmers' Protest, Alleges Shiv Sena
Shiv Sena said the government at the Centre does not want to resolve farmers'' issues and is playing "meeting-meeting" with them.
Through its mouthpiece Saamna, the Shiv Sena said so far 50 farmers have lost their lives on the borders of freezing Delhi, and yet they are not ready to back out without the laws being repealed.
"Despite eight rounds of discussion between the farmers and the Union ministers, if there is no result. The government has no interest in it. The government is doing politics and the farmers'' movement has to continue," the party said.
"It is freezing in Delhi. It has also been raining for the last three days. Water has entered the tents of the farmers and their clothes and beds are wet. Yet the farmers are not ready to back out. Farmers are determined to get the agriculture law repealed," it said further.
We're committed to the welfare of farmers. We meet those who're supporting the laws & those opposing it. I am sure that farmers unions who are agitating will think about the welfare of farmers and actively arrive at a solution: Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Agriculture Minister pic.twitter.com/k2BDBUxvgl
- ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2021
The protesters have made it clear they would settle for nothing less than the scapping of the laws. They have threatened to intensify the agitation and have called for a "Kisaan Parade" on Republic Day in Delhi and other parts of the country.
While hearing the pleas on the issue of farmers' protest, the top court had on December 17 said that the agitation should be allowed to continue "without impediment" and this court will not "interfere" with it as the right to protest is a fundamental right.
While acknowledging the right to non-violent protest of farmers, the top court was also of the view that their right to protest should not infringe the fundamental rights of others to move freely and in getting essential food and other supplies as right to protest cannot mean blockade of the entire city.
In its December 17 order, the bench had said: "We clarify that this court will not interfere with the protest in question. Indeed the right to protest is part of a fundamental right and can as a matter of fact, be exercised subject to public order. There can certainly be no impediment in the exercise of such rights as long as it is non-violent and does not result in damage to the life and properties of other citizens and is in accordance with law.
"We are of the view at this stage that the farmers'' protest should be allowed to continue without impediment and without any breach of peace either by the protesters or the police".
Supreme Court To Hear All Petitions Against Farm Laws On Monday
The Supreme Court today said that it will hear all the petitions challenging the constitutionality of the three farm acts on January 8 (Monday). The court said that the centre-farmers talks have not been able to break the deadlock against the agri laws that were passed last year.
The national capital, meanwhile, reels under a spell of harsh winter. The city woke up on Wednesday to the rumble of thunder and the sound of hailstones hitting rooftops and windows as it received rainfall for the fourth consecutive day.
The rains, caused by a strong western disturbance, come on the back of a "severe" cold wave that gripped Delhi in the run-up to New Year. On Friday, the mercury had plummeted to 1.1 degrees Celsius, the lowest in 15 years for January.
The deadlock continues as the seventh round of talks with the Centre remained inconclusive, with the farmer groups sticking to their demand for the repeal of the three new laws, and the government listing out various benefits of the new Acts.
Issue Will Be Resolved Soon: Punjab BJP Leaders After 2-Hour Meet With PM
BJP leaders from Punjab, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Tuesday, said that the issue will be solved very soon. "PM Modi knows a lot... all will be resolved and something good will happen. I cannot disclose what transpired in the meeting but something good will happen... when something is being conceived there are fears that it might get miscarriage," they said after the meeting. (Read full story here)
The protesting farmers have announced that they will intensify their agitation against the three contentious agriculture laws for the next two weeks. Swaraj India's Yogendra Yadav, who has been backing the protesters, said on Tuesday that a tractor march will be organised at four Delhi borders on January 7 to press for their demands -- repealing the laws and giving legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system. The leader called the march a "trailer" before the massive Republic Day agitation.
